New day for Queenslanders with a disability

Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo today congratulated Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queensland Premier Campbell Newman on signing an agreement for the introduction of DisabilityCare in Queensland from July 2016, with full implementation by July 2019.

“This decision gives certainty to Queenslanders with a disability and carers who have worried about what the future may bring,” Mr Barbagallo said.

“People with a disability will be able to choose the supports they access and will gain the power they deserve to determine their own future.

“This is a proud moment for people with a disability and carers who have continued to advocate for change in the face of discouragement and disappointment.

“On top of last year’s state funding injection for disability services, this funding increase will soon lift Queensland to the same level of disability funding per capita as other eastern states.

“Coming from a historically low comparative funding base, this increase is a significant achievement and demonstrates a genuine commitment to improve services and supports for Queenslanders with a disability.

“We are keen to work with the Queensland government and other service providers to see Queensland’s disability landscape revolutionised in readiness for the full implementation of DisabilityCare for an estimated 97,000 Queenslanders with a disability in 2019,” Mr Barbagallo concluded.

Media contact: Kirrily Boulton 0429 077 886.

Above, committee member Tony Beaven and board member Alison Semple shared the personal impact of the DisabilityCare reform with Prime Minister Gillard when she visited Brisbane to sign the Queensland DisabilityCare agreement with Premier Campbell Newman.